Pneumatic-despatch-tube system.



No.f7|2,478. Patented Nov. 4,1902.

- 1t-Bmw., y

PNEUMATIC DESPATCH TUBE SYSTEM.

` (Application tiled May 17, 1902.)

6 Sheets-Sheet 2.

(No Model.)

IN VE N TOI? Thomas Bemis A TTOHNE K5 No. 7|2,47s. Patented Nov. 4, 1902.

T. slams. N PNEUMA'TICV DES-PATCH TUBE SYSTEM.

4 l (Apphcatlon tiled May 17 1902) (No Model.)

s sfheetbsheet 4;

/N VEN 70H Thomas Bemis ATTORNEYS I THE norms 7L-reis co., Pnfauvm.. WASHINGTON, u.

No1'f7|2,478. Patented Nov. 4,1902.-

1 T. BEMIS'.

PN-EUMATIC DESPATCH 'TUBE SYSTEM.

(Application tiled May 17, 1902.) (No Model.) 6 Sheets-Shea# 5.

/N vENro WWA/ESSE? Thmas Bemis VM/ A TTOHN E KS No. 7|2,478. Patented Nov. 4, |902.

` T. BEMIS. l

PNEUMATIG DESPATCH TUBESYSTEM.

(Application mea may 17, 1902.) um Model.) e sheets-sheet s.

Yses y WITNESSES: l INVENTOI? M a. `Thomasemiss A TTOHNE YS g i UNITED SrAfEEs THOMASBEMIS, OF IN t w r g PATENT OFFICE.

DIANA'POLIS, INDIANA.

PNEU MATlo-Dl-:SPATcH-,TUBE SYSTEM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of LettersPatent No. 712,478,' dated November 4, 1902.

Application filed May 17,` 1902.i

To all 'wh/0111, L'A may concern:

Be it'k'nown that I, THOMAS BEMIS, a citizen of theUnited States,` residing at Indianapolis, l in thecountyof Marion and State of `Indi-i ana, have invented certain new and .useful1 Improvements in Pueurnatic-Despatch-Tube Systems, of which the following is'a specitil cation.

In pneumatic-despatch-tube systems it'is essential that an adequate difference of pressure be .created and maintained between the 2 cashiers desk and the different stations inli one direction and between each of saidstae; tions and the cashiers terminal in the other direction. It is also essential thatefiicientg means be provided to` direct the carriers through the proper portions of the system, so that each may be carried to its properdestifnation, and to provide means by which the; carriers may be easily introduced into andi discharged from the system both at the cashl iers terminal and the several stations. Heretofore difficulty has been found in the provision of a system which would operate successfully when installed inthe several stories of a tall building or where the distance between x the cashiers desk and a station is considerable. i i

The object of my invention is, therefore, to provide an arrangement of forwarding and return pipes in conjunction with a trunk-line supply-pipe of such character that the piping connecting the cashiers terminal with `a distant station is dividedinto sections or relays i in each of which is established a substantially independent air-current; to provide means by which the descending return-pipes of the L system will be free from air-currents and to i provide means in such portions of the pipes to automatically control `and limit the speed of passage of carriers therethrough, the carriers moving through these portions of the system by gravity; to provide an improved cut-out by means of which the carriers may be withdrawn from the' action of a particular air-current, and, it' desired, introduced into an independent relay air-current; to provide an improved form of terminal into which a carrier may be discharged and from which it cannot be removed without manual manipulation; to, provide an improved carrier-im. jector into which carriers may be introduced plan of the discharge end thereof.

Serial No. 107,799. (No model.)

" without interrupting the air-currentof the system and from which the carriers may be introduced into the air-'current of thesystem, said injector being of such character that the operator may not open the external door un; til communication to the interior of the system is cut olif and such that the external door may not be opened while a carrier is passing into the system; to provide an improved cashiers receiving-terminal into which a plurality of carriers ma",T be discharged from the system without hindering the removal of the iirst-arriving carrier and in whichthe carriers may be automatically separated into groups; to provide improved means `for preventing dirt and other foreign substances from passing through the system into thesuctiou-creating device and for removing such `dirt from the system; to provide an improved form of junction between two portions of the system discharging into a common pipe, and

to provide such improvements in details of construction as will behereinafter` pointed out.

In systems of this elass, especially in upper stories, the carrier loses much of its velocity, and this velocity is materially lessened by passage upward around a curve from a vertical pipe into a horizontal pipe.

A further object of Vmy invention is therefore to so arrange the forwarding-pipes that `after a carrier has passed a curve while going or soon after it has gone upward it shall pass into a depending pipe,through which it may gain suiiicient momentum by gravity to enable itV to pass with proper speed into another portion ot' the system.

The accompanying drawings illustrate my invention.

Figure l is a diagrammatic View of my improved system. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional detail of the cashiers terminal. Fig. 3 is a Fig. 3a is a view similar to Fig. 3 on a larger scale. Fig. 4 is a sectional detail of a relief-valve arranged in the descending portions of the system to automatically control the movement of` carriers therethrough. Fig. 5 is a section of a cut-out valve D for enabling the withdrawal ofa carrier from the action of one of the air-currents of the system, i the form yof valve" in this view being that intended for ICO ise immediately before a terminal discharge;

ig. 6, parts shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 isa section of a cut-out valve similar to the valve shown in Fig. 5, but modified slightly in order to adapt it for use in descending portions of the system to enable the withdrawal of the air-current from such portions of the system, but allowing the carrier to be withdrawn from the air-current andprojected into the descending portions of the system. Fig. 8 is asection of a cut-out valve similar to that shown in Figs. 5 and 7, but modiiied so as to be used in portions of the system at the junction between two independent air-currents, the arrangetnent being such that a carrier may be passed from one air-current to the other through this valve; Fig. 9, an axial section of one of the switches; Fig. 10, a side elevation thereof in the direction indicated by the arrows, with the cover-plate removed so as to expose the valve; Fig. 11, an axial section of my improved junction; Fig. 12, a section on the line 12 12 of Fig. 11; Fig. 13, a partial axial section of my improved carrier-injector; Fig. 14, an end elevation thereof; Fig. 15, a detail thereof; Fig. 16, a sectional detail of the main suction-drum and relief-valve therefor; Fig. 17, an elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 16; Fig. 18, an axial section of my improved dirtscreening device, and Fig. 19 a section on line 18 18 of Fig. 13.

Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawings, i

the system consists of the usual pressuremaintaining means, such as suction pump or fan A, into which leads a pipe a. Arranged in this pipe between the fan A and the rest of the system is my improved screen B, Figs. 18 and 1E), which is connected by a pipe b with the drum C C, Figs. 16 and 17, which may be made in as many sections as desired and into which lead a plurality of pipes c, equal in number to the number of cashiers terminals. Forming an extension of drum C is a non-carrier-receiving trunk-line drum C', which is carried through or nearly through the length of the sysvtetti and which may be decreased in size toward its fartherend. Connecting with each pipe c is a terminal cut-out D, Figs. 5 and 6, to the discharge side of which is connected a cashiers terminal E, Figs. 2, 3, and 3.

. Leading into each of the cut-out terminals D -and 12.

at the cashiers desk is a pipe d, each of which leads to and is arranged in one of the stories of the building and in each of which is arranged one or more junctions F, Figs. 11 Leading into each junction F is a pipejiwhich proceeds from apoint within easy access of a clerk, and arranged at the end of each of said pipesf is one of my injectors Gr, Figs. 13, 14:, and 15, which is connected by a pipe g with the air side of a cut-out valve D, the discharge side of said cut-out valve leading through a pipe e to adischarge-terminal E', which is like one part of the terminal E, Figs. 3 and 3% Those pipes d which are a partial transverse section of the.

side of the adjacent pipe.

vertical are provided at suitable intervals with relief-valves H, Fig. 4, and at the upper end thereof with va cut-out valve I, Fig. 7, the air side of which leads into the drum C.

Arranged adjacent the cashiers desk 25 (which in the present case is shown as in the lower door, While the suction-fan is shown in the basement) is a plurality of receivers J, each ofwhich leads into a forwarding-pipej, each of said pipes leading to a particular portion of the system. Those pipes which lead to upper parts of the system pass somewhat higher than the discharge ends thereof, and at their upper ends are provided with a reverse curvej, which leads into a cut-out valve K, Fig. 8, which serves to direct the air-current from the pipej into the trunk-line C', at the same time allowing the formation of a new aircurrent, which passes out therefrom through pipe k, the said pipe 7c beingled along the line of stations, preferably just above said stations, as shown in Fig. 1. Arranged in each pipe k are one or more switches L, Figs. 9 and 10, a pipe Z connecting each of said switches with one of the station cut-out valves D.

Turning now to the particular construction of the different portions of my system, the cashiers terminal E is illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 3u. This terminal lies immediately below one of the cut-out valves D and consists of a pipe 26, which communicates with the discharge side of the cut-out D. Pipe 26 leads into two or more pipes 27 and 27', and at the point of juncture I mount a divider which is pivoted at 28 and consists of a forward finger 29 and a pair of wings 30 and 30', wing 30 being adapted to be projected into pipe 27 when finger 29 blocks pipe 27, and wing 30' being adapted to project into pipe 27 when finger 29 blocks pipe 27. Any other suitable switch mechanism may be substituted for this alternating divider, if desired. Mounted at the end of each pipe 27 and 27' is a terminal which consists of a platform 31, which forms an extension of the lower Mounted at the lower end of this platform is a buffer 32, which is yieldingly held in position by a spring 33, buffer 32 being adapted to be engaged by a carrier 34 of any well-known form. Platform 3l is about the length of a carrier and is unobstructed at its sides except at its upper end, where I provide upon opposite sides a pair of daring lips 35, which extend downward toward the buifer 32, so that the distance between buer 32 and lips 35 is less than a carrier length. Platform 31 is preferably somewhat wider at its lower end than the carrier, and the buffer is anked at each side byoutwardly-extending wing-walls 36. Extending over platform 31,parallel therewith, is a guard 37. The terminal just described when used at the cashiers end in conjunction with the pipes 27 and 27 is preferably made double, as shown in Fig. 2, and for convenience of the cashier the double terminal thus formed IIO IIS

is preferably arranged at about an angle of` thirty degrees to the horizontal, although not .necessarily so.

in order to adapt them for the particular places in which they are putin the system. The cutout D is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 and con-` sists, preferably, of a pair of mating sections 40, which form a carrier-passage 41 and an air-passage 42 leading from one side of the` The upper end of the passage` passage 4l. 41 isadapted to receive a pipe dior` Z, while the lower end of said passage is adapted to `receive one of the pipes 26 or e', and the lower end of the passage 42 is adapted to receiveone of the pipes c or g.` Opposite the inner end of the passage 42 the wall of passage 4l is cut away, so as to form aV-shaped opening 43, the side 44 thereof extending diagonallyaeross the passage 41, and this portion of passage 41 is closed byavalve 45, which is .l pivoted at 46 to the outer wall of passage 41` and is urged normally toward its seat by means of a light spring 47. Valve 45 carries on its inner face a guide, which is com-` posed of a pair of lips 48, `which extendinwardly from the face of the valve. Formed in the outer wall of passage 42, substantially opposite the opening which is closed by valve 45, is a relief-opening 49, which is normally closed by a valve 50. Pivoted within the cutout is an arm 51, which is extended into passage 4l somewhat above valve 45 and preferably carries a friction-roller 52.,` connected` by a link 53 with the valve 50. `Projecting into passage 42 on a line with the lower side of opening 49 are one or more lugs 54, upon which may be laid atemporary valve 55, (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 5,) the purpose of whichwill appear.

The cut-out I differs from cut-outD merely in that valve is inclosed in a casing 56, so that there can be no escape of air from passage 41 and so that no air can be drawn into the lower end 4of the passage 41 from the far ther side of valve 45.`

the casing 56 I form an opening 57, the effective size of which maybe regulated by an adjustable plate 58. i

From the construction currents in fact overlap-that is to say, the

initial current continues clear to the ivalve which separates said `current from the independent relay-current and that the relay'-,

acts against the other at the time when a carrier is passing from one current to another. The relief-valve H consists of apairof mat- Arm 51 is` The cut-out K is like cut-out I except that inthe external wall of of the cut-outs D, i K, and I it will be seen that two adjacent` ingsections 59, into opposite endsofwhich `are itted ends of thevertical pipes d. Formed `in oneside of this relief-valve is an opening 60, which is normally closed by a valve 61, said valve having an arm 62, which extends into the line of the pipes (l el and is adapted `to be engaged by a carrier, so that as the carrier passes through the pipes CZ and through the `relief-valve H the valve 61 will be thrown so as touncover opening 60, andthus allow `the entrance of air into pipe d behind the carrier.

The injector G (see Figs. 13, 14, and 15) Lconsists of a main tubular body 62, into one end `of which may besecured the tube f and into the other end of which may be secured another tubef` or the tubep. Extending -from one side of the main body 62 isa chamber 63in which is mounted a valve or head `64, normally held by a spring 65 `at one eX- treme of the chamber 63, so that its end lies ,in alinement with the inner wall of the passage in` main body 62. Securedtc valve 64 is `a plunger 66, which projects from the chamber `63. Extending upward from chamber 63 is a 4receiving-tube 67 which is of a diameter and length suilicient to receive a single carrier, the upper end being closed by a door 68, held normally closed by a spring 69. Door 68 carries a lug 70, behind which is normally projected i `a catch-pin 7l, urged into position by means -valve 64 is in its normal position whereit` closes the lower end of the receiving-tube 67,

and the arrangement also beingV such thatf `when the valve64 is in its normal position and pin 71 is withdrawn from engagement with lug the said pin 7l will lock the valve 64 against movement. i

rLhe trunk-line drum C runs nearly to the top of the building, and in order-that it may `not have to be made heavy to avoid collapsing in case of too great suction said drum com-` municates with drum G, and said drum is provided in one side with an opening`74,iwhich is normally covered at `its inner end by a valve 74', pivoted at 74" loosely to a pin 75, extending through a bearing 76. Attached -to the outer end of pin 75 is a cord 77, which is ICO IIO

`passed over a pulley 78 and from thence downward, a weight 79 being attached tothe lower end, `said weightbeing of such sizeas tof .i .maintainv the `valve 74 over the inner end of .i

theopening 74 undernormal conditions; but

when `the vacuum within `the druin-C C@ reaches a` danger-point Asaid `valveiwill be -pulled away from the inner end ofthe open.-`

iug,and.thus allow the ingress of i. air from the lexterior, so as to `prevent collapsing. i

Drum C ispreferably of` such formtthat adr curved channel 98, into the outer end of which y or near each cashiers terminal; but, so far` as I am aware, such devices are difficult of access, and a plurality of them is required in a system of any magnitude. I prefer, therefore, to introduce a separating-screen B between the suction-fan A and the entire system, said screen being of Stich character that it is easily accessible and such that it will prevent any material from passing into the fan. It is also such that foreign substances may easily be removed from the screen without interfering with the proper operation of the system. To this end the pipe b leads into a casing 81, which in length is somewhat more than three times the diameter of the pipe b, whichY leads into the middle of one side. Formed in the top of casing 81, at each side of pipe b, are openings 82 and 83, which are covered by removable cap 85. Mounted within casing 81 is a sliding frame 86, which is provided with a central vertical partition 87. Mounted upon opposite sides of the partition S7 are two screens 88 and 89, each of which is preferably formed in basket shape, as shown, and each of which is composed of reticulated or perforated walls, arranged in sections of different degrees of fineness, the linest being at he bottom and the coarsest at the top.

The switch L (which is similar in some respects to the switch described and claimed in my Patent No. 696,305, and the particular construction of which is described and claimed in acompanion application) consists, primarily, of a pair of mating sections, which form a channel 90, in the opposite ends of which are secured sections of pipes la. One side of the channel 90 has an opening 91 formed therein, and this opening is normally closed by a valve 92, which valve is mounted within a chamber 93, from which leads a branch 94, to which the branch tube l is attached. Leading into chamber 93, back of valve 92, is an A opening 95, through which an independent air-current is drawn. Mounted within the channel 90 is a switch 96, which is adapted to engage switch-pins, which are properly arranged on predetermined carriers. The junction F, Figs. 1l and 12, consists of a pair of T-shaped mating sections, in which is formed a channel 97, from opposite ends of `which lead pipes d, and into which leads a is secured one of the pipes f. The inner or convex wall 0f the channel 98 is formed by a tongue 99, which is pivoted at its forward end at 100 closely adjacent the channel 97.

Tongue 99 is held in position by means of a spring 101. It sometimes occurs that a carrier moving through channel 97 and a carrier moving through channel 98 in the directions indicated by the arrows will reach the junction at substantially the same time, and in order to prevent an interference I pivotin the channel 97, adjacent the concave or outer side of channel 98, a stop-plate 102, which is pivoted at its rear end 103. I also mount within channel 98 a lever 104, which lever is pivoted at its rear end 105 and carries a roller 106, adapted to engage plate 102. Lever 104 is held normally projected into the channel 98 by means of a spring 107, and plate 102 is normally held out of the line of channel 97 by a spring 108. Pivoted at 109 in channel 97, adjacent the forward end of plate 102, is a {guide-gate 110, which extends across the channel 98, and rests upon the forward or pivoted end of tongue 99, soas to bridge across channel 98.

As has been'previously stated, there is preferably no air-current in any one of the downward pipes el, the car falling therethrough entirely by gravity; but when the carrier reaches the horizontal portions of said pipes it is necessary that the carrier be acted upon by a current of air, and for this purpose I form in the horizontal pipes, preferably in the elbow at the point of junction between said horizontal and downward pipes, an air-inlet 111, through each of which will be drawn an independent current of air.

In operation fan A will create a partial vacuum in drums C, C', and C, so as to create a plurality of independent currents of air, as follows: one through each cashiers receiver J, the attached pipe j, the reverse elbowj', and from thence through the channel 42 of the cut-out K, so as to return through trunk-line C; a current of air through each inlet 111, and from thence through the horizontal pipes d to the cashicrs cut-out D, and from thence through the channel 42 thereof and through the pipe c to the drums C or C; a current through the graduated opening 57 of the cut-out K, and from thence through pipes 7c and the channels 90 of all of the switches L, connected to said pipe 7e to the final cut-out D, (see the left hand of the second and third floors, Fig. 1,) through the channel 42 thereof, through pipe g, through the connected carrier-injector G, and through pipefinto the horizontal pipe cl, vand thence through channel 42 of cut-out I into the trunk-line C; a partially independent aircurrent through the graduated opening 95 of each switch L, and from thence through chamber 93 and branch 94 thereof, through pipe l to the adjacent cut-out D, and from thence through the adjacent pipe g, carrier-injector G, and pipe f to the pipe d. With these aircurrents established and it being understood that at the cashiers terminal there is preferably one receiver J for/each hoor or for each group of stations and similarly a Cut-out D IOO IIO

'drawn upward through pipe ,7' to the top of the building, passing beyond the tube tfinto which it is finally destined to pass, and through the reverse elbow .7", said elbow being high enough above the tube 7e so that although the velocity ot' the carrier-is reduced almost to nothing by the time it has passed around the curve yet it will gain sufficient momentum by the action of gravity alone as `it passes down through the depending pipej that it will have suicient force wh en it passes' into the eut-out K to strike arm 51 thereof, and thus throughlink 53 open valve 50. Before thisihas occurred valve 45 has been held imposition by reason of the suction of the air-current passing through the branch 42 into the drum C; but as soon as valve 50 is' opened this suction is relieved, so that valve 45 is only maintained in position lightly by reason of spring 46, so that when the carrierV strikes valve 45 between the guarding-lips 48 the valve gives way easily and is forced back into the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 5, thus allowing the carrierto passl through the lower portion of the channel 41.

It is to be noticed that owing to the temporary opening of opening 49 there is no tendency for the carrier to pass into air branch 42. As soon as the carrier passes arm 51 the door 50 is closed by reason ot' the action of the current of air through channel 42, so that as soon as the carrier passes valve 45 the said valve is drawn shut by the action of the aircurrent and the spring 46. After leaving Vvalve 45 the carrier is caught by theinde-y` lpendent air-current coming through opening 57 and passes through pipe k into the i'irst switch L, and ifits switch-pins oe properly placed the said pins will beengaged by the switch 96 and the carrier deliected so as to come into engagement with the valve 92 and force said valve open, so as to allow the car'` rier to pass into the branch 94, where it is caught up by the` independent air-current which is coming through the opening 95.

From thence thecarrier passes through tube Z and into thecut-out D. When the carrier reaches the cut-out D, its action therein is exactly similar to its action in the cutout K, except that there is no independent air-current through the lower portion of the chan` nel 41, the carrier passing through said chan` nel by gravity into the station-terminal EQ Suppose now that a carrier be introdnced into the "left-hand inductionereceiver G on the upper ioor.

that spring 65 will push valve 64 beneath the lower end of the-tubular receiver 67, and thus cut off communication into the j system through door 68 and also prevent the leak age ofany air'into the system through the (See Figs. 13 to'l.) The operator in ord er to introduce the carrier into` the system must leave plunger 66 free, so

tube 67. When the head is in this position, the operator may,by pressing upon the fingerpiece 73, withdraw pin 71 from behind lug 70 of door 68, and thus allow door 68 to be opened, `said door being held open by the operator against the action of spring 69. The carrier may then be introduced into the tube 67, said carrier dropping upon Vthe head 64. Valve 64, however, can npt be withdrawn un- -til door 68 has been closed and pin 71 allowed to resume its normal position where it locks the door 68 against opening. The valve 64 may then be withdrawn, so. as to allow the carrier to drop down into chamber 63 in alinement with the tube 67, but not as yet in position where it may pass into the tubes f. Valve 64 is then moved forward to its normal position, so as to shove the carrier out of chamber 63 and into alinement with tube f, so that the current of air passing from tube g into the tube f will catch up the carrier and project it through the tube f. It is to be noticed in connection with this carrier-injector that the door 68 may not be opened until the valve 64 blocks" the passage from the tube 67 into the system, nor may it be opened until'the pin 7l.b`e Withdrawn. When this pin is withdrawn to allow the opening of door 68, it is projected into 'posit-ion to prevent any movement of the valve 64; but the action of valve 64 is not automatic when door 68 has been closed upon the receiver, so that' the operator may, if he desires, again open door 68 and withdraw the carrier; but the door 68 cannotlunder any circumstances be opened unless the valve 64 is in such position as to absolutely close communication between the pipe 67 and the carrying-pipe f. After being introduced into the pipef the carrier is drawn upward there- `through until it reaches channel 98 'of the junction F. As it passes through this channel it engages lever 104 and forces said lever backward into the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 the roller 106 ofs'aid lever operating against plate 102, so as to throw said plate into the position shown in dotted linesin Fig. 11, where it projcctsinto the channel 97, and thus blocks the passage of a carrier through the channel 97. As the carrier proceeds it engages the gate 110 and swings said gate upon its pivot and passes into the channel 97, from thence passing through the horizontal pipe d. It may sometimes occur that two carriers will reach the junction at substantiallythe same time, so that a carrier passing through channel 98 will have just begun to force plate 102 into the channel 97; In such case it might happen that the two carriers would become stuck, and in order to prevent this the yielding tongue 99 has been provided. When such a conjunction of carriers occurs, one Wall or the other must yield or the carriers will stick. In my construction the carrier passing'through channel 97'Will force plate 102 back to its normal position, and this through lever 104 will act upon the IIO head of the carrier in channel 98, the tongue 99 yielding in front of said head. If the carrier passing through the channel 97 has reached the terminal first it will hold plate 102 down, so that a carrier coming in through channel 98 cannot get into a position where it will swing lever 104 until after the first arriving carrier has passed through channel 97.

`The carrier moves forward through the horizontal pipe d, and from thence through a suitable turn or curve into the vertical pipe d and into a cut-out I, the air-current which has been carrying the carrier passing through the channel 42 of said cut-out and returning into the drum vC. As the carrier passes through the cut-out I it operates the valve 50 therein, so as to relieve the suction upon valve 45 thereof, so that the carrier may force said valve easily open and the car-` rier drop through the passage 4l thereof into the lower section of vertical pipe d. There is no air-inlet into the cut-out I beyond valve45,noristhereanycurrentofairthrough the depending pipe d, so that as the carrier drops therethrough by gravit-y alone it creates a vacuum behind itself which tends to retard its downward motion. If the distance .of drop to the air-inlet 111 be not too great,

.valve 61 and allow air to pass into the pipe` abovethe carrier. The carrier drops through the vertical pipe d until it reaches the inlet 111, where it is caught up by the current of air which is coming through said inlet and is carried by said air-cu rrent through the hori-` zontal pipe d into the proper cashiers cut-ont D, where its action uponv valves 50 and 45k thereof is the same as in the cnt-outs K and I, already described, and the same as its action in the cut-out D at the station-terminal. The carrier passes through this cutv out D and from thence into pipe 26 of one of the cashiers terminals E, where it 'comes into contact with iinger 29 of the divider and is deliected therethrough into pipe 27, when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2. As the carrier proceeds through pipe 27it engages wing 30 of the divider and automatically throws finger 29 thereof so as to block pipe 27, so that the next carrier arriving at this terminal will pass into the pipe 27. The carrier passes through pipe 27 and is arrested in its movement by the buffer 32. In this position (see Fig. 3)-the carrier is held with its lower end against buffer 32, while its upper end lies between lingers 35, the carrier resting upon the platform 31 beneath the guard 37. In this position the carrier cannot be accidentally misplaced, but the operator may by grasping thelower end of the carrier swing the same horizontally through the .position shown in Fig. 3a and easily withdraw the carrier. That portion of pipes-27 and 27 between platform 3l and the divider 29 30 30' is sufficient to allowthe reception of a number of carriers, so thatA when the end carrier is withdrawn the other carriers willdrop down into position upon the platform 3l, so that each may be readily withdrawn in turn. If for any reason the vacuum within drums C C C" becomes too great, valve 74' yields, so as to allow the inflow of a sufficient supply of air to reduce the pressure.

As has been previously stated, the separator B lies Within the entire system and the fan A, and in Figs. 18 and 19 the Vscreenbasket 89 is shown in alinement with the pipes b and a, so that any material which passes through the system and through pipe b is caught in this basket, the finest mesh in the bottom catching all fine dirt, while the coarser meshes at the upper end prevent passage of large material, at the saine time giving plenty of passage for the air. At any time when the material has gathered in the basket 89 to too great an amount the operator by grasping the operating-bar 86 draws frame 86 from one side of casing 81 to the other, so as to bring screen 89 beneath opening 83 and bring screen 88 at the same time in alinement with pipes l) and a. Partition 87 prevents communication between the chamber of basket 89 and the pipes 0L I), so that the efiiciency of the system is not at all impaired. The operator may therefore remove cover 85 and thoroughly clean the basket 89, which is preferably madeV removable, the upper flange thereof merely resting upon a suitable flange in the frame 86, as shown. When basket 88 has become partially filled, it may be cleaned in the same manner by again returningframe 8G to its initial position, so that the basket 88 lies beneath the cover 84.

Itoften occurs in systems of the class described that repairs are needed in one line while the remaining lines should be left in condition for operation. The suction device is regulated so as to create proper pressures in all of the lines, and while the air from any line may be discontinued by opening the nearest valve 50 yet this would result in a waste of power, because of the drawing in of air through said valve into the portion of the line communicating with the adjacent passage 42, and thus weakening the other lines. In order to avoid this, therefore, the lugs 54 are provided, so that a leather or other suitable plate 55 may be temporarily laid across the passage 42, thus cutting out that portion of the system above the valve 50 and at the same time preventing the inlet of any air into the system below said valve.

I claim as my inventionl. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a pressure-maintaining device, of a non-carrier-receiving trunk-line IOO IIO

non-carrier-receiving trunk-line leading thereto, a pipe-line leading from any desired point into a cut-out, means in said cut-out for directing the air-current from said pipeline into the trunk-line, a relay pipe-line ema-` nating from said cut-out and leading to the suction device and having an air-inlet near its point of emanation, means arranged in said cut-out for maintaining the independ-l ence of theair-currents in the two pipe-lines, and means by which carriers maybe transferred from the first pipe-line into the relay pipe-line.

3. In a pneumatic-despatchtube system, the combination, with a suction device, of a non carrier receiving trunk line leading thereto, a pipe-line leading from a desired point into a cut-ont, means in the said cutout for directingr the air-current in the pipe-1 line into the trunk-line, a relaypipe-line emanating from the cut-out and leadnginto a second cut-out, an air-inlet near the point of emanation oi the relay pipe-line, means in the rst cut-out for maintaining the independence of the air-currents in the first pipeline and the relay pipe-line, and means in said cut-ont by Which carriers may be trans-l ferred fromthe first pipe-line to the lrelay, pipe-line, means in the second cut-out for directing the air-currentlin the relay pipeline into the trunk-line and for preventing the passage of air from the relay pipe-line `into a depending pipe-line, the said depending pipe-line emanating from the second cutout, and means in the 'second cut-out for directing a carrier into said depending pipe-line from the relay pipe-line.

4. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination, with a suction device, of a non carrier receiving trunk line leading thereto, a pipe-lineleading from a desired point into a cut-out, means in the said cut` out for directingr the air-current in the pipeline into the trunk-line, a relay pipe-line emanating from the cnt-out and leading into a second cut-out, an air-inlet near the point ot' emanation of the relay pipe-line, means in the first cut-out for maintaining the independence of the air-currents in the iir'st pipe-` line and the relay pipe-line, means in said cut-out by which carriers may be transferred from the first pipe-line to the relay pipe-line,`

means in the second cut-out for directing the air-current in they relay .pipe-line into the trunk-line and for preventing the passage of air from` the relaypipe line into a depending Y tilt A pipe-line, the saiddepending pipe-line emanating from the second cut-out, means in the second cut-out for directing a carrier into said depending pipe-line from the relay pipeline, acontinuation of said depending pipeline at an angle of inclination less than enough to allow a carrier to move therethrough by lgravity, the said continuation communicating with the suction device at its forward end, and an air-inlet leading into said continuation at or near its junction with the depending pipe-line.

5. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination, with a suction device, of a non carrier -receiving trunk line leading thereto, a pipe-line leading from a desired point into a cut-out, means in the said cutout for directing the air-current in the pipeline into the trunk-line, a Vrelay pipe-line emanating from the cut-out and leading into a second cnt-out, an air-inlet near the point of emanation or" the relay pipe-line, means in the first cut-out-for maintaining the independence of the air-currents in the first pipe-line and the relay pipe-line, means in said ent-out by which carriers may be transi ferred from the first pipe-line to the relay pipe-line, means in the second cut-out for directing the air-current inthe relay pipe-line into the `trunk-line and for preventing the passage of air from the relay pipe-line into a depending pipe-line, the said depending pipeline emanating from the second cut-out, means for directinga carrier into said depending pipe-line from the relay pipe-line, a relief valve arranged at an intermediate point in said depending pipe-line, andmeans operated by the passage oiia carrier therethrough for operating said relief-valve so as to allow an inflow of air into the depending `pipe-line above the carrier.

Apipe-line beginning ata desired point and extending higher than said poi'nt,a reverse curve extending from the highest point in said pipeline and having a depending extension, arelay pipe-line emanating from a cut-out and having an air-inlet at or near the cut-out, said relay pipe-line communicating with the suction device, and said cnt-out arranged between said depending extension and the relay pipe-line,said cut-out having cut-out mechanism ,automatically operated by the movement of a carrier for transferring the carrier from the first pipe-line to the relay pipe-line, and for'dcecting the air-current in the rst pipe-line to the suction device.

7. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination, with a suction device,` of a non carrierreceiving trunkline leading thereinto, a pipe-line leading fr'om adesired i point to a cut-out, said pipe-line having a portion which extends above and then returns downward lo the cut-ont, the said cut-out,

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in the pipe-line into the' trunk-1ine,a relay pipe-line xtending. from the cut-out to the Suction device, an air-inlet leading into saidrelay pipe-line near the cut-out, and a. valve arranged to normally close communication between the pipe-line and the relay-line but adapted to yield so as to allow the passage ofv a carrier from the pipe-line into the relay-line through the cut-out.

8. In a despatch-tube system, a depending pipe-line throughwhich a carrier drops by gravity alone, a relief-valve arranged therein intermediate its length, and means operated by the passage of a carrier for operating said valve so as to intermittently allow air to enter the pipe-line above a passing carrier.

9. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a pipe-line, of means for creating an air-current therein, a depending pipe-line forming a continuation of the firstmentioned pipe-line, and means for deecting the air-current in the first-mentioned pipeline from the depending pipe-line.

l0. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a pipe-line, of means for creating an air-current therein, a depending pipe-line forming a continuation of the firstmentioned pipe-line, means for deflecting the air-current in the first-mentioned pipe-line from the depending pipe-line, and a reliefvalve arranged in said depending pipe-line intermediate its length said valve being constructed to be opened by the passage of a carrier thereby.

11. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination, with a depending pipe-line, of a continuation of said pipe-line arranged at anangle less than that suicient to allow a carrier to move properly therethrough by gravity,and means for creating an air-current in the said continuation only.

l2. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a depending pipe-line, of a relief-valve arranged intermediate the length of said depending pipe-line and constructed to be operated by a carrier as it passes, a continuation of said depending pipeline arranged at an angle less than sufficient to allow a carrier to move therethrough by gravity, and means for creating an air-current in the said continuation.

13. In a pneumatic-despatchtube system, the combination with a suction device, of a pipe-line leading from a desired point, a cutout arranged in said pipe-line, connections between said cut-out andthe suction device, a depending pipe-line extending from said cut-out, means for normally preventing the air-current in the initial pipe-line from passing into the depending pipe-line, a continuation pipe-line extending from the lower end of the depending pipe-line at an angle less than sufficient to allow a carrier to properly move therethrough by gravity, a connection between said continuation pipe-line and the suction device, and an air-inlet leading into said continuation pipe-line at or near its junction with the dependingpipe-line.

14. In a pneumatic-despatch-tuhe system, the combination with a suction device, of a pipe-line leading from a desired point, a cutout arranged in said pipe-line, connections between said cut-out and the suction device, a depending pipe-line extending from said cut-out, meansfor normally preventing the air-current in the initial pipe-line from pass ing into the depending pipe-line, a continuation pipe-line extending from the lower end of the depending pipe-line at an angle less than sufficient to allow a carrier to properly move therethrough by gravity, a connection between said continuation pipe-line and the suction device, an air-inlet leading into said continuation pipe-line at or near its junction with the depending pipe-line, and a reliefvalve arranged in the depending pipe-line intermediate its length and constructed to be opened by the passage of a carrier through the depending pipe-line.

15. In a despatch-tube system, the combination with a depending pipe-line having an opening in one side thereof intermediate its length, of a valve G1 pivoted at its upper end and adapted to normally close said opening, and an arm carried by said valve and projecting into the interior of the pipe-line in position to be engaged by a passing carrier before it passes the valve, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

16. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a suction device, of a suction-drum, a'plurality of suction-pipes leading into said drum, a connection between said drum and suction device, and a screen arranged in said connection, for the purpose set forth.

17. In a pneuinatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a suction device, of a plurality of suction-pipes leading from the several parts of the system into a chamber, a pair of screens arranged in said chamber, a connection between said chamber and the suction device, and means for shifting said screens alternately into alinement with the inlet-pipe.

18. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a suction device and the pipe d leading thereinto, of a screen-chamber arranged at the end of said pipe, a pipe leading from the system into said chamber, a double-compartment screen-frame arranged within said chamber, a pair of screen-baskets carried in the two compartments of said frame, and means for alternately shifting the two baskets into operative and cleaning positions.

19. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a screen. therefor consisting of a basket formed of a plurality of reticulated or perforated portions varying in fineness from the bottom up- Ward.

20. In a pneu matic-despatch-tuhe system, a junction therefor consisting of a pai-r of converging channels, and a transversely-yielding wall forming one side of one of the channels adjacent the point of junction.

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H21. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a junction therefor consisting of a pair of con-` verging channels, a pair of stops arranged in said channels, intermediate connections between said stops whereby cach will be projected into its channel when the other is out of the line of its channel, and a transverselyyielding'portion forming the wall of one of` the channels adjacent therpoint of junction in opposition to the stop therein.

22. In apnenmatic-,despatch-tube system, a junction therefor consisting of a pair of converging channels,a plate 106 pivotally mounted in one of said channels and extending f0- Ward the point of junction, a lever 104 pivotally mounted in the other channel and extending toward the point of junction and toward the free end of the plate and having a portion directly engaging the plate, means for normally projecting the lever into the line of its channel and for normally withdrawing the plate from the line of its channel, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

23. In a pnenmatic-despatch-tube system, a junction therefor consisting of a pair of converging channels, a plate 106 pivotally'mounted in one of said channels and extending toward the point of junction, a lever 104 pivotally mounted in the other channel and provided with means for engaging the plate, means for normally projecting the lever into the line of its channel and for normally with-1 drawing the plate from the line of its channel, and a lip 99 pivotally mounted in one of the channels in opposition to the lever 104 and yieldingly supported in normal position, sub-` stantially as and for the purposes set forth.

24:. In apneumatic-despatch-tube system,a carrier-ejector therefor consisting of a carrierreceiving chamber, a communicating passage between said chamber and the receiving-pipe of the system, a valve arranged to close communication between the carrier receiving chamber and the system pipe and operable fromthe exterior by the operator, a door ar-` ranged to close the receiving-opening of the carrier-receiving chamber and operable from the exterior by the operator, and an interme-` diate locking mechanism between the'door and valve whereby either the door or valve may be freely operated and the operation of either will prevent the operation of the other'` until the operated one be returned to normal position.

25. In a despatch-tube system, a receivingterminal therefor consisting of a receivingplatform unobstructed at its sides, a buifer carried by said platform at its farther end in buffer arranged at the farther end of said platform, guardsiianking said buer, means for attaching the opposite `end of said platform to a despatch-tube, and lips arranged upon opposite sides of the platform at said 28. In a despatch-tube system, a terminal therefor consisting of a plurality of pipes emanating from a single pipe, a carrier-receiver for each of said pipes,and means for automatically distributing carriers arriving through the single pipe to the plurality of receivers.

29. In a despatch-tube system, a terminal consisting of a pair of pipes emanating from a single pipe, a receiver foreach of said pipes,

a divider arranged at the point of junction of said pipes, and means arranged in each of the pipes for automatically reciprocating the divider whereby the carriers will be alternately discharged into the two receivers.

30. In a despatch-tube system, a terminal IOO therefor consisting of a pair of pipes diverging from a single pipe, a divider 29 pivoted at the point of divergence and provided with a pair of divergent wings 30 and 30', and a carrier-receiver arranged at the end of each of said pipes, substantially as and fo'r the purposes set forth.

3l. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a cut-out therefor having a carrier-passage extending therethrough, a valve arranged to close said passage, an air-passage leading valve and having a relief-opening thereinto, a relief-valve arranged to normally close said relief-opening, and means to be operated by IIO from the carrier-passage at a point behind the IIS a carrier before it reaches the first-men tioned valve for opening the relief-valve.

` 32. In a pneu matic-despatch-tube system, a cut-out having a carrier-passage formed therethrough, a valve arranged to normally close said passage, an air-passage leading from the carrier-passage behind the valve and having a relief-opening leading thereinto, a reliefvalve arranged to normally close said reliefopening, an arm normally projecting into the carrier-passage behind the first-mentioned valve, and a connection between said arm and the relief-valve.

33. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a cut-out therefor having a carrier-passage formed therethrough, a valve arranged to normally close said passage, guides carried by the inner or rear face of said valve and project- ILO ing into the carrier-passage, and an air-passage leading from the carrier-passage from behind the valve.

34. In a pneu matic-despatch-tube system, a cut-out consisting of a casing havinga carrierpassage formed therethrough and having an and means operated by the carrier for opening the relief-valve before the first-mentioned valve is engaged by the carrier.

35. In a pneu matic-despatch-tube system, a cut-out for the junction between a currentcarrying pipe-line and a non-current-carrying pipe-line, consisting of a casing having a carrier-passage formed therethrough said carrier-passage being constructed to receive a current-carryingy pipe-line at one end and a non-current-carrying pipe-line at the other end, a valve arranged in said passage between the ends thereof, an air-passage leading from the air-current-carrying side of the valve and having a relief-valve arranged therein, and means operated by the passage of a carrier through the carrier-passage for opening the relief-Valve before the first-mentioned valve is opened.

36. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a cut-out to be placed between two independent air-current-carrying pipe-lines, consisting of a casing having a carrier passage leading therethrough, said passage being adapted to receive the pipes of the two independentiines at its opposite ends, and having au air-passage leading from one end of said carrier-passage, and an air-passage leading into the other end of said carrier-passage, a valve arranged in the carrier-passage so as to normally close communication between the two ai r-passages, a relief-valve arranged in that air-passage leading from the rear side of said first-mentioned valve, and means operated by the passage ofthe carrier through the carrier-passage for operating said relief-valve.

37. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a cut-out therefor consisting of a casing having a carrier-passage leading therethrough, a Valve arranged to normally close said carrierpassage, an air-passage leading from the carrier-passage behind the valve, a relief-Valve arranged in said air-passage, and means for supporting a temporary valve in the air-passage in front of the relief-valve opening.

3S. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a carrier-injector therefor consisting of a casing having a main tubular body adapted to receive the carrying-pipe, a cham ber communicating with said tubular portion, a carrier-receiving pipe communicating with said chamber out of alinement with the main tubular body, a valve arranged in said chamber at the lower end of the carrier-receiving pipe, a door arranged to close the outer end of said carrier-receiving pipe, and a lock-pin operable by the operator and arranged between the said door and valve so as to engage the valve or the door, the arrangement being such that the lock-pin cannot be withdrawn from engagement with the door except when the valve closes communication between the carrier-receiver and the chamber and such that when the lock-pin is withdrawnfrom engagement with the door it will lock the valve in position until the door has been returned to .closed position, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

39. In a despatch-tube system, the combination with a carrier stop or buffer, of a carrier-pipe arranged in conjunction with said stop with its fixed end less than a carrier length from said stop, so as to leave an opening between said fixed end and the stop of a length less than the carrier and through which single carriers may be withdrawn in two directions.

40. VIn a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a suction device, of a non-carrier-receiving trunk-line pipe leading thereinto, a pipe-line leading from a desired point to a cut-out, said pipe-line having a portion which extends above and then returns downward to the cut-out, the said cut-out, having a passage for deflecting the air-current in the pipe-line into the trunk-line, a relief valve arranged in said passage to be opened by the passage of a carrier, a relay pipe-line extending from the cut-out to the suction device, an air-inlet leading into said relay-line near the cut-out, and a valve arranged'to normally close communication between the pipe-line and the relay-line but adapted to yield so as to allow the passage of a carrier from the pipe-line into the relay-line through the cut-out.

4l. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a suction device, of a non-carrier-receiving trunk-line pipe leading thereinto, a plurality of independent pipelines leading into said trunk-line at dierent pointsin its length, cut-outs arranged between and connecting adjacent portions of the independent pipe-lines, each of said cutouts being provided with means by which carriers may be transferred from one pipe-line to another, and a relief-valve arranged behind each of said transferring means and arranged to be operated by the passage of the carrier. i

42. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination with a suction. device; of a non-carrier-receiving trunk-line pipe leading thereto; a pipe-line leading from any desired point into a cut-out; said cut-out, comprising a carrier-passage, an air-passage leading therefrom, a valve arranged in the carrierpassage in front of the air-passage, a reliefvalve arranged in the air-passage, and means IIO operated by thepassage of a ycarrier for op- 46. In-a despatch-tube system, a receivingerating said relief.- valve; anda relay pipeline emanating fromlsaid cut-out and leading to the suction device and having an airinlet near its pointof emanation.

43. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, the combination of a carrier-channel having an air-passage leading therefrom and a relief-inlet leading thereinto, a Valve arranged to close the carrier-channel beyond the relief -opening and air-passage, and a reliefvalve arrangedto normally close the reliefinlet and to be opened by the passage of a carrier through the channel before it reaches the first-mentioned valve. i

44. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a carrier-injector therefor consisting of a carrier-receiving chamber, a door` to close the outer end of said chamber, a valve to close the inner end of said chamber, and intermediate locking mechanism, continually under the control of the operator, for engaging the door or valve, whereby the locking mechanism cannot be Withdrawn from the valveuntil the door is closed and cannot be Withdrawn from the door until the valve is in position to close the inner end of the chamber.

45. In a pneumatic-despatch-tube system, a carrier-injector therefor consisting of a carrier-receiving chamber, a door to close the outer end of said chamber, a valve to close the inner end of said chamber, and a lockpin 71 continually under control of the operator and arranged to engage the door or valve, whereby the pin cannot be Withdrawn from the valve until the door is closed and cannot be Withdrawn from the door until the valve is in position to close the inner end ofthe chamber. 1

terminaltherefor consisting of. a carrier-tube having a fixed end, and an abutment arranged adjacent the end of said tube at slightly less than a-carrier length-therefrom whereby a carrier may be removed therefrom only by swinging the end adjacent the abutment.

j 47. In a despatch-tube system, the combination, with a carrier-tube, of a.' valve arranged therein, an outlet leading from the tube immediately adjacent therear of fthe valve,an inlet leading into the tube imme` j diately adjacent the front of the valve, and

means for maintaining separate air-currents in the same directionupon opposite sides of .the valve Wherebythe ,current in the' rear part of the tube will continue to act upon the carrier until after it has been engaged by the current in front of the valve.

48. In a despatch-tube system, the combination, with a carrier-tube, of a valve ar ranged diagonally therein With its free end forward, an outlet leading from said tube to the rear of the valve and immediately adjacent the free end thereof, an inlet leading intosaid tube in front of the valve and 1 immediately adjacent the fixed end thereof, and means for maintaining separate air-currents in the same direction upon the two ,sides of the valve whereby two overlapping independent currents are maintained.

In witness `whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, at Indianapolis., Indiana, this 13th day of May,`A. D. 1902.

Witnesses: g

ARTHUR-M. HOOD, JAMES A. WALSH. 

